Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

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Parks Supervisor Riverblood presented that for the past 11 years, the City of Ramsey has contributed up to $4,000 per year for resident rates at the City of Anoka Aquatic Center to be obtained from Ramsey residents. He advised that lawful gambling funds are normally used for this item. He stated that the most recent project to use lawful gambling funds is the upcoming skate park being constructed in Alpine Park. Chairperson Johns commented that another year had gone by and the City still did not have their own pool. She questioned an amount showing in the packet for this item. Commissioner Shryock reported that an average of $4,900 is being saved yearly by Ramsey residents. Chairperson Johns commented that $500,000 is being shown as being spent by Ramsey residents over the course of ten years. She thought that the money being spent could have been used to construct that type of facility in the City. Commissioner Backous questioned if any input had been made by residents in regard to this item. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that he had not received any input, but was not sure if there had been an advertisement for that information or posting in newsletter. He advised that the decision would need to be made by April 1, 2009, which would give the Commission more time to research options if need be. Chairperson Johns stated that she did not have an objection to making this contribution so that residents would be able to save money at that facility, as it is the closest, distance wise. She thought that the option to construct a facility of this type should be looked into, as over the past ten years Ramsey residents have spent almost $500,000 for this service. Commissioner Shryock commented that she was tom on this item. She stated that Ramsey is willing to share services, such as the dog park and skate park, and thought maybe some negotiation could be made to use the services of Anoka. SHe stated that in the current economy, the extra savings to Ramsey residents, obtained with the donation being made by the City, could make the difference between a family obtaining a pass to the Anoka pool or passing on that option for the year. Chairperson Johns thought that some sort of access to water services should be provided, whether that is in Anoka or Andover. She thought that this funding should be provided for this yearto allow for cheaper access for residents to those services. Commissioner Backous agreed that the questions should be asked and did not feel that information that would be needed had been obtained yet. He advised that Elk River could also be propositioned as well for their water entertainment facility. He thought that by obtaining more information they would be making a more educated decision. He did not feel that an educated decision could be made without that other information. Commissioner Hanson questioned if anyone had ever spoke with the City of Anoka to determine ifthey are making or losing money on their aquatic center. Park and Recreation Commission/February 12, 2009 Page 4 of7